E26 - Andi Manley. Reflecting on the journey from a swimmer, to parent to coaching an Olympic Gold

In this conversation, we speak to Andi Manley, the Director of Swimming at Loughborough University. The coach to Dan Wiffen's Olympic Gold Medal-winning campaign in 2024, Andi shares insights from his extensive coaching journey including powerful insights from that moment in Paris. He discusses the transition from being a swimmer to a coach, the importance of understanding each athlete as an individual, and the influence of various coaches on his development.

Andi reflects on the success of athletes like Dan Wiffen, his coaching philosophy, and the unique environment at Loughborough that fosters athlete growth. He also touches on the challenges of balancing coaching with parenting, the importance of continuous professional development, and offers advice for early career coaches. As he prepares for the role of Team England Head Coach at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Andi emphasises the significance of collaboration and support within the coaching community.

You can find out more about Loughborough University's Swim Programme here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/sports/swimming/

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